Kittawa Lodge, King Island

[antycbr]

Fortunate enough to have booked in for the extra long weekend to King Island’s Kittawa Lodge, in the delightfully named locality of Pearshape.

The trip started off ex SYD on QF487 to MEL J on the 25th Jan. 100 percent full - as a lifetime bronze travelling on points we were down the back, so to speak… so had the below ravioli. I simply can’t warm to QF mainline domestic service compared to VA, where I’m plat.



Overnight in the Parkroyal with a tarmac view. Allowed me to see some airlines that don’t service SYD such as BI.


With onwards flights on ZL, there was no lounge access so we went to the McDonalds club lounge on the outbound road from the airport then a walk through the different back parts of MEL such as the freight terminals back around to check in from T4.

ZL operates a triangle service MEL-BWT-KNS, so we enjoyed a brief stop over in Wynyard. Great views in of Table Cape:


We were required to stay on board at BWT which was disappointing as at some other ports with triangle or through services you can disembark - in the case of GFN in summer it’s so you don’t cook in the heat and humidity, generally not a problem in Tasmania.

Onwards after 20 mins to KNS… the FA did an abbreviated service with water and snacks - hot drinks were served on MEL-BWT. She mentioned that they only do service on about half of the BWT-KNS flights due to weather over the strait and the short flying time - 30 mins.

Surprisingly modern terminal in KNS… looks like some federal largesse:

 

[antycbr]

Once we had our rental (and explained for the third time that day that we didn’t play golf) we headed into Currie for the Australia Day ceremonies while waiting for our checkin. Brings back memories of growing up in regional Australia.


Hearing inspiring stories of the essential role of volunteers in island communities - such as the King Island Community Car which provides transport to people who aren’t able to drive on an island with no public transport or taxis - an amazing volunteer service. A recent inventory of community groups on King Is said there were 104 active volunteer groups on the island. The local Lions club had an outstanding sausage sizzle, best sausages ever using local meat. A stop in at King Island supermarket to benchmark the prices (less than Norfolk Island, comparable to Lord Howe) and a curry pie from the bake house - appropriate when Currie is the “capital” of KI.

Onwards to Kittawa. The lodge is located on the road south, which turns to gravel and then you turn off on to the property driveway.

There are two lodges (the hosts Aaron and Nick live in a future third lodge).

The lodge is hidden down amongst the dunes:





Our host Nick was there to meet us on arrival. He gave us a tour of the lodge room and facilities, and then left us to settle in.

 

[antycbr]

Before we trashed the place, out with the phone to take some photos. This is considered one of the best baths in Australia according to travel magazines - Kittawa was #3 in Conde Nast Traveller in Oceania.



Some more shots of the lodge:

 

[antycbr]

Our package is catered with the hosts providing provisions for three meals which we self prepare. To start - cheese of course. Nick had the baked Brie, walnuts and honey ready to serve the minute we walked in.



Kittawa ask that you don’t bring your own liquor to the lodge as they have independently sourced wines and spirits from all over Tasmania. I’ll post more about the drink choices later on.




The attention to detail in the kitchen is amazing. That random drawer/cupboard of odds and ends under the sink:


The crockery is all made on the island as well.

 

[antycbr]

Dinner was KI sirloin, carrots, potatoes and broccolini. Instructions provided:




The finished product:



Paired with Milton 2020 Reserve Syrah from Swansea on the east coast of Tasmania ($95), then followed by berry panna cotta prepared by the hosts.

 

[antycbr]

Evening walk, the property has wallabies in abundance, who come right up to the windows.









The fireplace is ready set. Given it will be 11 degrees overnight even in summer it’s lovely to be able to light a fire. Not something easily done in inner Sydney.

 

[antycbr]

It got rather cold overnight - down to 5 degrees - so glad to have the heater.

This morning is breakfast before exploration of the south end of the island. Granola, island baked bread, farm eggs, bacon, juice and yoghurt, plus Tasmanian teas.


The hosts prepare a picnic hamper for you if exploring:

There are also thermos to take hot drinks and rain jackets if needed.

The south end of the island is very wild with huge amounts of kelp washing up.

Seal rocks has some fine views:

We stopped at the King Island Brewhouse for a tasting paddle, and the host there let us have our picnic lunch which was a chicken salad with dressing and home made cookies.

On to Sea Elephant River

Blowhole beach:

Then back to Kittawa where on arrival there’s a refreshing ice tea waiting (just add ice!)

 

[levelnine]

Thanks for the review. I'd seen this place before and wondered what it is like. Not exactly cheap, but a beautiful location and set up.

 

[Dashers]

Thanks for the informative review. Looks like a great long weekend.

 

[craven morehead]

This place looks awesome!!